These oven-baked chicken kabobs are super easy to make and packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated and then baked to golden perfection, making them perfect for dinner or snacks.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? I often serve these with a side of rice or salad for a tasty meal. Plus, they disappear quickly at parties—no one can resist that deliciousness! 🍢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a go-to for kabobs thanks to its lean nature. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use boneless thighs for a juicier result.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. If you’re out, canola oil or avocado oil works fine too, though olive brings extra taste.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and tenderizes the chicken. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice is a decent substitute, but fresh is always best.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and paprika lift the flavor. If you’re missing any, experiment with Italian seasoning or a premade spice blend for convenience.
Skewers: Wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning. If you prefer metal skewers, they’re reusable and also don’t require soaking!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Kabobs Cook Evenly?
Cooking chicken kabobs evenly is critical for great taste and texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This helps all pieces cook at the same rate.
- Space pieces on the skewers a little apart—this promotes even cooking and browning.
- Turn the skewers halfway through baking. This helps achieve an evenly golden-brown exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and tenderness.
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For Skewering:
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for marinating and 20 minutes for baking, totaling around 50 minutes. The marinating step enhances the flavor, so it’s a great idea to let it sit while you prepare other things if needed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To make cleanup a breeze, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed. This will be the tasty marinade for your chicken!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to ensure each piece gets coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.
4. Soak Skewers (if using wooden ones):
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning in the oven.
5. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out and start threading the pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
6. Bake the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to turn the skewers halfway through so they brown nicely on all sides! They are done when the chicken is golden and cooked through.
7. Let Them Rest:
When you take the skewers out of the oven, let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the kabobs with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Serve them warm with your favorite side, like rice, salad, or pita bread, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Enjoy your tasty Oven-Baked Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breast with other proteins like beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose, as they may vary in cooking requirements.
How Can I Make These Kabobs Spicier?
If you want to add a kick, consider mixing in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the marinade. You could also marinade with your favorite hot sauce for an extra punch before baking!
Can I Prepare Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the skewers with the marinated chicken up to a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they stay juicy!
